A Guide For Living in BVHV

DAM
ROTTER
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A guide for living

in Rotterdam
A Guide for Living in Rotterdam
RSM Erasmus University
Welcome To Rotterdam, RSM And The Netherlands
The Undutchables
The Netherlands / Holland
The Dutch
Sports
The Dutch Home
Telephone Service
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Getting to Know The Country And Its People

History
Language
System Government
Dutch Economy
Typical Dutch food
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Festive Occasions in Holland

Kings Day (Koningdag)
Koningnacht
Rememberence/Liberation Day
Sinterklaas
Christmas (Kerstmis)
New Years Eve
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- 27 April
- 26 April
- 4/5 May
- 5 December
- 25/26 December
- 31 December
Practical Issues
Electric Appliances
Insurance
Travel
Compulsory Identification For Nationals And Residents
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Banking
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Opening A Bank Account

Telephone Numbers
Main Banks
Making Payments
Forms Of Payment
Acceptgiro
Automatic Booking
Internet Banking
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ROTTER
Contents
Transportation
Train Travel
Taxis
Buses, Trams And Metros
The OV-Chip Card
Driving Your Car
Detailed Maps For Traveling
The Bicycle
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Healthcare
Family Doctor (Huisarts)
Dentist
Pharmacy/Chemist (Apotheek)
Adresses & Telephone Numbers
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Welcome To Rotterdam
History
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Shopping In Rotterdam
Major Shopping Areas
Opening hours
Market
Postal Needs
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Attractions in Rotterdam
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Architecture in Rotterdam
Rotterdam, City Of Modern Architecture
Modern Architecture in Pre-war Rotterdam
Post-war Reconstruction in Rotterdam
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Rotterdam by Night
Theatre, Dance and Music
Film
Eating and Drinking
Restaurants
Bars and Cafs
Where to Go Clubbing
How to Get Home
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Safety
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Addresses and Telephone Numbers
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Register
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ROTTER
Contents
Welcome to
RSM, Rotterdam
and The Netherlands
Welcome to Rotterdam, RSM, and the Netherlands! As you
begin your stay here in the Netherlands, the Rotterdam
School of Management would like to help you feel at home
with this guide to living in Rotterdam and the Netherlands.
Within this guide, you will find interesting information about
the Netherlands, Dutch customs, and typical Dutch
characteristics which every visitor should know. Not only are
these interesting cultural aspects to share with you about our
country, but knowing them may help make your stay here in
the Netherlands and Rotterdam a little bit more comfortable.
This guide is not only meant to provide you with an
introduction to The Netherlands, but to also serve as a reference guide throughout your
study year so that you may enjoy all that Rotterdam and the Netherlands has to offer.
THE UNDUTCHABLES
The Netherlands / Holland
The Netherlands: A country (often called Holland) located in
Western Europe bordering on the North Sea; total area 41.528 km2
(of which 33.900 km2 is land), divided in 12 provinces; official
language, Dutch; capital, Amsterdam; seat of government, The
Hague; population 16,7 million and growing (2011).
Holland is an informal, cosy name for the country, but officially it
defines the dominant provinces of North Holland and South Holland.
Originally heavily forested, these provinces were referred to as: Holt
Land (literally, wood land), from which the word Holland derives. The word Nederland
can be split into two words Neder and Land; the word neder actually means under; under
sea level.
The Dutch
They are pragmatic about the controversial issues like drugs, euthanasia, homosexuality
and abortion. This liberal attitude paired with good counselling and education can lead to
positive results; with their liberal abortion law, they perform less abortions than other
countries, even relative to their size; their liberal drugs policy results in less junkies, drug
deaths and drug related crimes than many of the countries which object to these policies.
Dutch love to talk about their country and to provide any directions or information you may
require. Their fascination with things foreign: foreign-products, attitudes, ideas, customs,
languages, etc.-is impressive and flattering. The Dutch reputation for tolerance is all too
apparent to the overseas visitor. (This image may change if you stay longer).
They generally speak their mind and do not hesitate to ask what most foreigners consider
to be probing questions about ones personal life. Their directness can give one the
impression that they are rude and in some respects crude. The Dutch however consider
themselves as being, open. At the same time, this frankness is linked to their reputation
for being opinionated and obstinate. When they believe in something, they will stubbornly
adhere to their principles through thick and thin, unless and until they are ready to change
their mind of their own accord.
The national passion is disseminated through deep and meaningful discussion and
debate, even in close personal relationships. Heated debate is seen as a good and healthy
sport. The pivot in the mind of the Dutch is the little word, maar, even smaller in English:
but. Any statement we make, we counter ourselves with but, to show the other side,
even if there is none.
The Dutch are supreme masters of things connected with

water: bridges, dikes, canals, rain, etc. They have had to
constantly defend themselves against natural elements. They
have been a seafaring people for centuries. Along with this
comes their love of travel, foreign cultures and bartering. There
is nothing more exciting or satisfying for a Dutch person than to
make a good deal. They have all the patience and time to earn
or save a fraction of a Euro.
They are also world trade experts, ranking first place in EU in tonnage and third place
world-wide, after Shanghai and Singapore and first place in dairy and poultry export, while
their agricultural export ranks second in the world. Rotterdam also boasts of being the
worlds first fully automated container port.
When being introduced to a Dutch person for the first time the Dutch will give a hand and
say aangenaam (pleasure to meet you). When greeting longer-term friends, a kiss on leftright-left cheek (three kisses in total) is appropriate. This is often done in combination with
a handshake. When leaving a friends home you should shout out daaag or, less formal
and not always used by the older generation, doei (pronounced doo-ee) several times.
Sports
The Dutch love to be associated with sporting activities, provided the
cost is not too high.Football is the national sport. TV programs are
cancelled without warning to show matches. If the local team wins, the
whole town celebrates; if they lose, they still celebrate! During
international tournaments they also bedeck themselves (and anything
else they can get their hands on) in orange colours, and the unbearable
antics intensify dramatically.
Ice skating on canals, ditches, ponds and puddles in winter is another extremely popular
sport; done by young and old (for free). One of the most anticipated, exciting skating event
is the eleven city marathon (Elfstedentocht) which takes place in Friesland whenever
nature and global warming provides enough ice along the 220-km (125 mile) route. The
last marathon took place in 1997 with over 16,000 professional, semi-professional and
amateur competitors. The winner was a sprout farmer.
The Dutch Home

The Dutch staircase, called trap, will be steep and narrow, shallow, and will probably
accommodate less than half your foot. In older houses, the staircase evokes images of a
warped ladder.
Curtains are important in Dutch life. Almost every home has a double set of curtains: net
curtains and heavier, full length curtains. It is customary to leave the front-room curtains
open day and night so everyone can look in. Yet on the other hand, no Dutch person
would dare stare into the front window of another.
In most rented apartments and older houses the toilet is the size of a cupboard. The bowl
is uniquely shaped to include a plateau, well above the normal water level. The flushing
system is a technological miracle; but sometimes more a case of find the flusher as there
are many types and locations. After using the toilet, you should always clean the toilet
bowl meticulously with the brush.
Telephone Service
In Holland, you must state your name every time you answer your phone. If you fail to do
so, the other party will either lapse into silence or demand to know who you are (Met wie
spreek ik?).
Phone frustration increase as callers access more and more menu selections (in Dutch) or
are put on hold indefinitely. Before getting to an operator they might tell you Er zijn nog 10
wachtenden voor u (there are 10 people ahead of you), or Al onze medewerkers zijn in
gesprek, een ogenblik geduld alstublieft (all our staff are busy, please be patient). When
you finally reach an operator, the wont/cant (kan/mag niet) factor kicks in.
If you want to read more about the Dutch,

and their culture, customs and habits:
The Undutchables, by Colin White and
Laurie Boucke. for more info visit
www.theundutchables.com
GETTING TO KNOW
THE COUNTRY AND
ITS PEOPLE
History
The Dutch royal family originates from the county of Nassau in
Germany, and the lion on their royal arms is the same as the lion on
the oldest arms of Nassau, dating from the 13th century. The Nassau
family exerted considerable influence in the Low Countries during a
good portion of the Middle Ages. Their name changed to OrangeNassau in the 16th century, when William of Nassau-Dillenburg
inherited the Principality of Orange in southern France.
William and his descendants commanded the Dutch armies during the
war of independence from Spanish rule (1568-1648), also known as the Eighty Years'
War. It was during this period of Spanish occupation that the 17 provinces of the Low
Countries (including present-day Belgium) formed an assembly called the States General.
In 1579 seven Northern provinces formed the Republic of the United Provinces in a move
known as the Union of Utrecht. This was done in response to the union formed in Arras by
the southern provinces. When the Republic became officially independent in 1648, it took
the arms of the original 17 provinces, but reduced the number of arrows to seven. The red,
white and blue colors chosen for the Republic's new arms were those of the most
important of the newly united provinces: Holland.
The family of Orange-Nassau continued to play a major role in the political life of the
Republic. When the Netherlands became a kingdom in 1813, William I of Orange-Nassau,
the country's first king, combined the ancient arms of Nassau with the arms of the Dutch
Republic to make up the royal arms still born by his descendants, the current royal family
of the Netherlands.
Language
Dutch is the mother tongue of more than 22 million people in the Netherlands and
Belgium. However, due to their small size, the Dutch are adaptable and very international.
Many of the Dutch speak more than one language the most common second languages
are German, English and French.
In the province of Friesland, they speak a separate language: Frisian. This
officially recognized language is the mother tongue of around 400,000
people. It is similar in some ways to English and the Scandinavian
languages. Dutch is used in schools throughout the country including
Friesland.
System of Government
Since 1814, the Netherlands has been a constitutional
monarchy with a parliamentary system, (though the
monarchical power is relatively limited). The Head of State,
the King or Queen, is inviolable. Responsibility rests with the
ministers,
who
are
accountable
to Parliament. The
government is seated in The Hague, which is fairly
remarkable, this not being the country's capital city.
The Head of State appoints the ministers, but Parliament must approve the
appointment. The ministers form the government, together with the Head of State.
Parliament consists of two Chambers: the Upper Chamber, with 75 members, and the
Lower Chamber, with a 150 members.
Every four years, the members of the Lower Chamber are elected directly by the
population (over 18 years of age), via a system of proportional representation. The
members of the Upper Chamber are elected by the Provincial Councils, also for a period of
four years. Before a law is accepted, a great deal of negotiation takes place. Therefore,
the Dutch political system is characterised by the consensus model.
Dutch Economy
The Netherlands is best known for its tulips, windmills
and clogs and for its low altitude and vulnerability to
flooding. Less well known is that it is the world's eighth
largest exporter of goods and capital and the world's
third largest exporter of food. The Dutch economy is
one of the strongest in the world, and it is the sixth
biggest within the European Union. The sectors
contributing the most are services (50%), industry
(36%), government (9%), agriculture and fisheries
(3%) and mining (2%).
The Dutch economy and business community have a strong international focus, and over
half of the countrys Gross National Product comes from
international trade.
Typical Dutch Food

Below is a list of some typical Dutch food which you should certainly experience during
your stay. Most of these foods are available at any supermarket.
Beschuit met muisjes (biscuits with sugar balls) - Traditional food served to
celebrate the birth of a baby in the Netherlands: round dry, light and very fragile
biscuits with butter and aniseed sprinkles, is traditionally served on the day a
baby is born/comes home from the hospital.
Bitterballen - fried breaded balls of pureed meat.
Bosche bol typical sweet from the city of Den Bosch. No trip to the city
is complete without trying this special Dutch treat. A thin layer of dough is
covered in a thin layer of chocolate. The inside is full of cream. The
smaller and common version of this treat is called a soesje. However
the soesje is not chocolate covered. Soesjes can be found in
supermarkets all over the country.
Croquette (fried breaded log with pureed meat) The kroket is a deep fried
snack, popular in the Netherlands. It is crunchy on the outside, but very soft and
smooth on the inside.
Each year 300 million croquettes are sold in the Netherlands (which works out to
about 18 per person annually), making it the second most-popular snack in the
country. Its popularity is only surpassed by the frikandel, of which about 580
million are sold each year. Vendors have often tried to market and sell it in other countries,
but have failed, even in neighboring countries like Belgium and Germany.
Drop This is a salty Dutch candy that looks like black licorice. Dont be fooled though,
there is nothing sweet about this treat!
Dutch Cheese Holland is famous for its milk products especially cheese.
Some famous cheeses from Holland include: Gouda, Leerdammer, and Edam.
You can visit the Dutch cheese markets in the following cities: Alkmaar, Gouda,
Edam and Woerden. Markets are held on specific dates and times so check the
local tourist office before you go!
Dutch Apple Pie deep dish apple pie with slices of apple and lots of
cinnamon and sugar. You can often find cafs which serve apple pie with
whipped cream and a cup of coffee on special. A nice treat for any time of the
year. Dudok restaurant / Caf is very well known for their apple pie
(www.dudok.nl) and there is a Dudok restaurant located in the center of Rotterdam.
Frikandel - A frikandel is a Dutch snack, a sort of minced-meat hot dog. It is a long,
skinless, dark-colored sausage that is deep-fried and eaten warm. Sometimes it is served
on a piece of bread, and is called a broodje frikandel (frikandel sandwich).
In the Netherlands, the frikandel mainly consists of a mixture of pork, beef, chicken and
horse meat but the recipe is very vague. Frikandels are a typical Dutch party snack. You
can also find them on the go at snackbars and automated machines in train stations for
example. Frikandels are usually served with tomato ketchup, curry ketchup, salad cream
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or mayonnaise, and chopped onion. A frikandel with mayonnaise, curry ketchup and diced
onion makes a Frikandel Speciaal. The Frikandel Speciaal has a deep cut in the middle to
provide room for the chopped onions and the sauces.
Hagelslag very popular chocolate sprinkles, used together with butter
on a slice of bread.
Haring smoked and salted herring (a type of fish).
Open-air fish stalls sell raw herring sprinkled with raw, diced onions during
herring season. To properly eat a herring, you need to hold in the air with your fingers and
put in your mouth. The annual release of new herring is at the end of May.
Hutspot pureed mashed potatoes mixed with meat and vegetables.
Kapsalon only known since 2003 and invented in Rotterdam. It is a dish with French
fries covered with shoarma, chicken, gyros or falafel and cheese together melted in the
oven. And then covered with a salad, they often add garlic sauce or sambal to it.
Pannenkoeken thin pancakes similar to the French crepe. Pancakes
are often topped with various sauces such as syrup or chocolate sauce,
meats or other tasty combinations.
Erwtensoep (Pea soup) - Also called "snert" is a form of green split-pea
soup emblematic of Dutch cuisine. This is by far, the most popular Dutch
winter soups. Traditionally eaten in winter, erwtensoep has a very thick consistency, often
includes pork and sausage, and is almost a stew rather than a soup. It is customarily
served with rye bread (roggebrood) and cheese or butter. The meat may be put on the rye
bread and eaten with mustard. One source says "You should be able to stand a spoon
upright in a good pea soup." Depending on the weather, winter soups and stampot (see
below) are eaten from fall to the beginning of spring. It is commonly believed that a hot
bowl of 'erwtensoep' tastes better when its freezing outside. This may be true, since you
typically find it served at outdoor activities such as skating in the winter time.
Ontbijtkoek (breakfast cake) - A Dutch spiced cake. Rye is its most important ingredient,
colouring the cake a light brown. It is often spiced with cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and
nutmeg, and is occasionally served on a slice of bread. Mostly however, this "breakfast
cake" is served in the morning with a little butter on top of a slice.
Poffertjes (small pancakes) - Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch batter treat. Poffertjes look
like tiny pancakes, but they are much sweeter. In contrast with pancakes, poffertjes are
turned before one side is completely done, which results in a much softer core than with
pancakes. Typically, poffertjes are served with powdered sugar and butter.
Rookworst (smoked sausage) - Rookworst ("smoked sausage") is a
type of Dutch sausage in which ground meat is mixed with spices and salt
and stuffed into a casing. Rookworst is a traditional ingredient in stamppot.
Stampot - A traditional Dutch peasant dish made from a combination of
potatoes mashed with another vegetable. The vegetables traditionally
include sauerkraut, endive, kale, or carrot and onion (the latter known as
hutspot). It is usually served with stewed meat or some kind of sausage.
The origin of stamppot is unknown, however it is a widely known Dutch dish, and can be a
cheap, hearty and filling meal.
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Stroopwafels - (Dutch for syrup waffles) are Dutch cookies made from
two round waffle-like wafers with a thin layer of melted caramel filling
brushed on the waffles as a filling middle. Stroopwafels are an old Dutch
treat, invented in Gouda in 1784. The story goes that a baker in Gouda
made a biscuit from all the left over crumbs and spices then smothered it in
caramel syrup. Thus the stroopwafel started out as a sweet of the poor and
eventually the most popular tea or coffee accompaniment in Holland.
Traditionally about four inches in diameter, they are typically prepared by
cutting a freshly-made waffle in half, spreading the filling and re-joining the two halves.
You can eat them while they are still warm, then they are the best. You can also warm
them up in the microwave for less than a minute before eating them.
Vlaai - A type of pie, originating from the Dutch province of Limburg. Normally circular, a
vlaai consists of a doughy flat bottom, edged upwards at the end. It is filled with fruits, such
as apple, apricot, rice or cherries and then baked, sometimes topped with sugar or
whipped cream.
Oliebollen - An oliebol is a traditional Dutch food. Oliebollen
(literally oil balls) are traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve[1] and at
funfairs. In wintertime, they are also sold in the street at mobile stalls.
In the Flanders part of Belgium and Brussels they are called
smoutebollen (literally lard balls although the real "smout" is of
rapeseed oil). In English they are more commonly known as Dutch
Doughnuts or Dutchies. Oliebollen are a variety of dumpling made
by using an ice-scooper or two spoons to scoop a certain amount of dough and dropping
the dough into a deep fryer filled with hot oil. In this way, a sphere-shaped oliebol
emerges.
Pepernoten - Literally, "pepper nuts", the Dutch equivalent of Pfeffernsse is a cookie-like
kind of confectionery, traditionally associated with the early December Sinterklaas holiday
in the Netherlands. They are light brown, round shaped, and made from the same
ingredients as taai-taai: flour, sugar, anise, cinnamon, and clove.
Kapsalon - is a Dutch food item consisting of fries, topped with dner or shawarma meat,
grilled with a layer of Gouda cheese until melted and then subsequently covered with a
layer of dressed salad greens. The dish is often served with garlic sauce and sambal. The
term kapsalon literally means, "barbershop" in Dutch, alluding to one of the inventors of
the dish, Nathanil Gomes, a Capeverdian hairdresser in Rotterdam who in collaboration
with the neighboring shawarma store "El Aviva" combined all his favorite ingredients into
one dish. The dish has since spread around the Netherlands into Belgium and is
commonly found in restaurants serving shawarmas.
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FESTIVE OCCASIONS IN
HOLLAND
Kings Day - Koningsdag - 27 April
Kings Day is the royal birthday of the King Willem-Alexander
celebrated since he became the king of the Netherlands on 30 April
2013 after her mother Queen Beatrix abdicated of the throne . Until
2013 this holiday was called Koninginnedag or Queen's Day and it
was celebrated on the 30th of April the birthday of his grandmother
Queen Juliana, although at that time the ruling monarchs (Queen
Beatrix) true birthday is on 31 January. Queen Beatrix decided to
keep Queens day on the 30th of April, to honour her mother and
because the weather is better in April
On this day the King will visit, together with as many members of the
royal house as possible, two cities in Holland. Many cities turn into a
large flea market for the occasion. The Dutch save up their old junk and try to sell it taxfree on this day. No licenses for selling are required at this day. There are infinite street
stalls, selling all types of food and beverage, spread out through the town centre. An
atmosphere of orange (the royal colour) prevails as many celebrators dress in orangecoloured clothing and wear silly hats. There are parades, live bands and other forms of
public entertainment. All in all, it is definitely an occasion to be experienced. If you really
want to go to a city with huge crowds, you need to visit Amsterdam. It is a good idea to go
by public transport; it will almost be impossible to reach the city centre by car. This year
the Kings day will be held on 26 April, because 27 April is a Sunday.
Kings Night - Koningnacht - 26 April

The day before Kingss day there is Koningnacht (Kings night). Lots and lots of people will
go to The Hague, which is the most popular place to celebrate Kings Night, but in other
bigger cities like Utrecht they will celebrate as well. People will drink lots of beer and enjoy
the music in the centre (live bands in cafs and on the streets). There will be several
podiums with music at more than one location in the city centre (for instance Spuiplein,
Grote Kerk, Wijnhaven, de Plaats). Last year about 175.000 visitors attended
this event. The festival is called Life I Live, and information about the
program can be found on the internet.
Remembrance/Liberation Day - 4/5 May

Remembrance Day (Herdenkingsdag, also known
asdodenherdenking) is on the 4th of May and
honours all war victims. Flags are flown half-mast,
wreaths are laid at appropriate places and the ruling monarch
makes a public appearance. At 20:00 at night the whole country will
be silent for 2 minutes. Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) is on the 5 th
of May and celebrates the liberation of the country from its
oppressors in 1945. In some cities there will be live music from
bands and DJs.
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The Dutch Santa Claus - Sinterklaas - 5 December

On the 21st of November the Dutch Santa Claus (Sinterklaas) travels from Spain to
Holland by ship. Santa has a long white beard and a long red robe, tall red/gold mitre and
golden crown. He is joined by his black manservant Peter (Zwarte Piet). Gifts are
exchanged on the 5th of December in celebration of the birthday of Sinterklaas. At night,
children place their shoes by the fireplace. The shoes are filled with surprises during the
night.
Sinterklaas is often seen with a big book which contains stories about the behaviour of all
the children in The Netherlands; if they have not been well behaved in the past year, they
are told they might be taken to Spain in a bag. The Zwarte Pieten carry bags around filled
with schuimpjes, pepernoten en kruidnoten. You will see them all over The Netherlands,
giving children sweets, doing tricks, and singing along with children and adults (Sinterklaas
songs).
Christmas - Kerstmis - 25/26 December

On the 25 and 26 are the spiritual Christmas days. Most Catholic people will visit the
church for a Kerstviering (Christmas celebration). Big meals are often prepared and
restaurants are generally fully booked. Many Dutch
households will buy a Christmas tree for in the house and
decorate it with ornaments. Some religious families will also
place a crche under the tree. Presents will be placed under
the Christmas tree for family and friends; they will be
opened on Christmas day.
New Years Eve - Oudejaarsavond 31 December

New Years Eve is called Old Years Evening (Oudejaarsavond). On this date the setting
off of fireworks is allowed. Beginning at midnight (00.00 hrs.), millions of people all over
the country set off firework resulting in a sky filled with colours, lights and smoke. Often
there is a big firework event in Rotterdam at the Erasmusbrug at midnight.
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PRACTICAL ISSUES
Electric Appliances
Electric in the Netherlands is 220 volts. You may need to bring a
converter with you if you plan to use appliances built for other regions of
the world. There are however several chain stores specializing in
household appliances. They usually sell all that you need in one place.
Computers and software can be bought at any of a number of computer
stores (in town and online), many of which carry smaller technology such
as cameras, telephones and televisions. The ICT Help Desk can give you
exact details about where you best can buy these appliances.
Insurance
All persons living in the Netherlands are required to have insurance. International students
in The Netherlands are required by law to have adequate health and third party liability
insurance. Foreign students may be covered by insurance in their home country.
Alternatively, students can take out a special study insurance through IPS the Lippman
Group or AON Consulting. There are different arrangements/requirements for students
under 30 years of age and over 30 years of age.
Check out the following web-sites for more information:
Info for foreign students explained by University of Leiden:
http://prospectivestudents.leiden.edu/practical-info/insurance/insurance.html
AON Consulting
https://www.myaon.nl/students/index.jsp
IPS Lippman Group
http://www.ace-ips-nl.com
Travel
Going abroad with your residence permit/short stay visa:
Please note that, if you are not from one of the EU/EER
Countries, and you have not yet received your residence permit card, you can leave the
Netherlands, BUT you MAY NOT be able to re-enter.
To re-enter the Netherlands you will need a residence permit or proof that your residencepermit application is in progress. This proof is provided in the form of an official reentry sticker in your passport.
For more info please visit http://www.leidenuniv.nl/en/predeparture/vvrbasis.html
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Compulsory Identification for Nationals And Residents

On 1 January 2005, the Compulsory Identification (Extended Scope) Act came into force.
Since that date, everyone 14 years and older must be able to produce an original (not a
copy) valid identity document on demand and carry it with them at all times. Failure to
produce an original, valid identity document is a criminal offence.
The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:
National passport (also from the EU/EEA);
Diplomatic passport (also from the EU/EEA);
Service passport (also from the EU/EEA);
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BANKING
Opening a bank account
You will need valid passport and proof of residency to open a bank account in the
Netherlands.
Hollands largest bank, ABN AMRO, has a branch on the Erasmus campus, located in the
V-building, which is staffed by personnel accustomed to dealing with the banking needs of
foreign students. When opening your bank account you will also receive a package of
bank/giro-cheques.
When you open a bank or post office account in the Netherlands you will receive
notification through the post that your bank card is available to be picked up. The card
must be picked up in person. Be sure to bring along a valid from of identification (e.g.
passport). Bank charges will be deducted directly from your account.
Most banks are closed during the weekend. Banks are generally open from 9:00 to 17:00,
Monday to Friday.
Telephone numbers
To block an ING account, should you lose or have your card stolen, call 058 - 212 6000
(menu option 1, Postbank, ING is menu option 2)
To block a bank account from any other bank, call the toll-free number 0800 0313 (menu
options are choices of banks, 9 is for operator).
The number to call while away for a trip abroad is +31 3028 35372
A good English language guide to the Dutch banking system can be found on the website
of: de Nederlandsche Bank, www.dnb.nl
Main Banks
ABN AMRO
0900 0024
www.abnamro.nl
Rabobank
010-4003333
www.rabobank.nl
ING Bank
+31 20 22 888 88
www.ing.nl
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MAKING PAYMENTS
While studying in The Netherlands, you will need to purchase personal
items and possibly make payments for phone service, electricity, or other
utilities. This can be done with ease in The Netherlands due to its well
organized banking system. However, beware that it may take several days for your
electronic payment to be posted.
Euro notes and coins have been in use in the Netherlands since 1 January 2002. Money
can be obtained at any time of the day from Automated Teller Machines. Geldautomaten
can be found in every sizeable town and most villages in The Netherlands. Most ATMs will
handle cards from large international banks. Banks, post offices and most train stations
and shopping centers have ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines, or geldautomaat). You
should note that your withdrawal limit may be lower than from your own bank and there
can be an extra service charge.
Cash, Pin or Chippen are used for most transactions. Pin (debit) can be used at most retail
stores and even the school cafs and cafeteria. Chippen involves loading the computer
chip on your bank card with money and then debiting from the chip (not your bank
account).
Credit cards can be used in most of the larger chain stores but are still not widely accepted
as they are in the US or UK. Keep in mind that you may not be able to use your credit card
in the most surprising of places such as when buying furniture or at the grocery store,
although this is changing. You do not have to carry wads of cash, particularly if you carry a
bankcard.
Note: The Dutch use a comma to denote a decimal point and a period mark to denote the
thousands column, thus one thousand and thirty-two euros and twenty-five cents would be
written as EUR 1.032,25.
Forms of Payment
In the Netherlands, payments can be made as follows:
Cash
Bank Card (also referred to as pinnen)
Credit Card
Chip Knip (money loaded on the computer chip on your card which is then debited
off when making a payment)
By Cheque (overschrijvingsformulier)
Bank Transfer
Acceptgiro (a payment authorization you usually receive in the mail, which you
sign and send to your bank).
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Acceptgiro
A commonly used form of payment for monthly bills is acceptgiro, or bank transfer. For
most utilities and monthly services, the company will send you a bill with an acceptgiro,
which you sign, and post to your bank. You fill in the number of your girorekening (post
office account) or bankrekening. A bankrekening is an account with a commercial bank.
Sign your name on the line or in the box to the far right marked handtekening. After filling
in the stub, tear off the main portion; place it in one of the return envelopes provided free
from the bank or post office (you must request these) and post. The bank pays the
postage.
Automatic Booking
You can also set up automatic debits for most monthly bills. To do this you must get a form
from the company you want to pay, not the bank. It is usually a two-part form with the
second part held back in case you want to stop the withdrawals. After filling out the form,
you post it back. It can take up to one month to process the form for the first time.
Internet Banking
In Europe the average percent of consumers who choose to do their banking through the
internet is 34 percent. In the Netherlands this number is 70 percent. All of the commercial
banks including the Postbank offer internet banking facilities. Most systems allow you to
monitor and manage your current account, make payments and manage investments.
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TRANSPORTATION
Getting around in the Netherlands is quite simple, the road networks are good and the
public transportation, including airports, is excellent. All you need to know is how the
system works. A helpful journey planner is www.9292ov.nl; click on reisadvies and fill in
the departing address and destination address, and it will tell you how to get there using
public transportation.
Train Travel
The Netherlands has a dense railway network that offers frequent service, as well as the
quickest way to travel between city centres (www.ns.nl). You can
buy tickets at a ticket office or at a ticket machine. There are a wide
variety of passes and special tickets that can save you money.
Which type you choose depends on the kind of travelling you will do
frequent or infrequent, long distances or short, alone or in a group,
and during morning rush hour or not, and your age:
First and second-class tickets are available, single (enkele
reis) or return (retour). Return tickets are cheaper than twice
the single fare, but are only valid for one day.
You can also buy a 5-retourkaart, which offers 5 undated return tickets to the
same destination. This will save 5% on the price of buying 5 separate tickets. You
will have to stamp the undated tickets before entering the platform.
The Voordeel-uren kaart gives 40% discount at the ticket counter when traveling
during the voordeel-uren: Monday to Friday after 9.00 hrs, on Saturdays, Sundays
and National Holidays. This card will cost you about EUR 55,00.
Weekend return tickets are valid in the weekend, starting Friday evening after
19.00 hrs until 04:00 hrs Monday morning.
We recommend you to ask at the ticket discounter what the cheapest option is for you.
Taxi
You cannot hail taxis on the street in the Netherlands as you can in many parts of the
world. You must either telephone (see Useful Addresses), or go to a taxi stand. All major
railway stations have a taxi stand. Hotels and restaurants are always happy to call a taxi
for you if you ask.
Buses, Trams and Metros

If you are looking to make your way through the larger cities or from one town to the next,
the Dutch transportation companies provide frequent services on
buses and trams. Amsterdam and Rotterdam also have subways
(called the metro). Rural communities are linked by bus.
For buses and trams the stops are along the street indicated by
yellow signs on poles, often accompanied by a covered shelter. The
schedule is usually posted and the buses are numbered. You will find
the entrances to the subway stations near the big yellow sign with the
M (for metro). Of course all lines are linked to the train stations.
(www.ret.nl)
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Initially, the Interliner-bus line was created to bring passengers where

trains dont go. It has since expanded to cover approximately 25
intermediate distances. The advantage of the Interliner is that it avoids
busy areas, has the right of way at traffic lights and is allowed to use
special lanes. Its stops have been strategically placed close to other
public transportation connection points (buses, trains and taxis) as well
as easily accessible parking areas. (www.connexxion.nl/reizen-metconnexxion/14/interliner/301)
The OV - Chipcard
A new digital card system has been introduced in Rotterdam. Its called the OVChipcard
and you can use it in trams, buses, metros and trains. There are three
different kinds of cards. There is the personal card, the anonymous
card and the disposable card. Travel using public transportation is
charged at a rate of 0,11 euro per kilometre with a start amount of
0,75 euro. If you travel a lot within the Rotterdam region it is best to
use the personal or anonymous card. The disposable card was
designed for tourists or people that dont travel often with public
transportation. If you have a personal OV-Chip card, you can update
it via electronic banking or request to have your card updated
automatically by debiting from your bank account when the balance is
low. You can also add up your credits at a ticket machine (you can find them at stations,
the same as you need for buying train tickets).
Subscriptions are also possible. With a subscription card you will be travelling in zones.
This means that you have unlimited travel within designated zones within a period of a
week, month or year. The prices vary depending on the number of zones and the
timeframe you choose. It is best to ask about the different options at the information desk
of the RET at Beurs or Centraal Station (see also www.ret.nl or www.ov-chipkaart.nl).
Driving Your Car

If you plan on buying a car in The Netherlands, you must have a valid
drivers license. Depending on your status an accelerated test may
be possible. Special rules apply to those who benefit from the 30%
tax-rulings. It is important to know the rules of the road (visit
www.3vo.nl) and have a valid registration certificate (containing the
technical information of your car and proof of ownership) of the car in
your name. Furthermore, you must remember to take out car and liability insurance. All car
owners must pay a tax, regardless of the amount of use you make of this car. A brochure
entitled On the Road in the Netherlands with a valid Drivers License, is available from
the Town Hall. It provides information about driving in The Netherlands.
If you are from an EU country or Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway you are allowed to drive
for one year from the day you registered at the City Hall. If you are from any other country
you may drive for only 185 days with your own national drivers license, starting from the
day you register at the City Hall. Before the 185 days elapses you need to obtain a Dutch
drivers license by trading in your license or by taking a Dutch driving test (contact CBR
divisie Ryvaardigheid 0900-0210, e-mail: bnor@cbr.nl, you could also check the website:
www.rijbewijs.nl/nl/english.asp
21
EU foreign students can generally bring their car to The Netherlands and just drive it like
that as you are considered to be here temporary. You may not need to change the license
plate, nor officially import it. It is important that you carry a valid drivers license, your
residence permit card, passport and proof of your student status, (e.g. a student ID card).
Detailed Maps for Traveling

For detailed maps of how to drive to your destination address you can visit www.anwb.nl
(choose verkeer and then routeplanner, and then fill in departing and destination
address) or www.routenet.nl (Explanations: Ik wil naar means I want to go to, Ik
vertrek van means I leave from, Ik zoek means I am looking for). In addition to these
two sites you can also visit www.maporama.com (this site is in English).
The Bicycle
Bikes (fietsen) come in very handy in the Netherlands; almost all Dutch have at least one
bike to move around easily. There are more than 19 million bikes in Holland. They are
multiplying at the rate of about 15 percent annually. At least 84 percent of households own
at least one bicycle.
Most roads (except highways) include a personal lane (fietspad) for cyclers. As a cyclist,
you too must obey the traffic signs and rules, and stay in the bicycle lanes marked on the
street. As a rule, cars that are turning across your path are supposed to stop for you but it
is wise to watch out. You should also signal with your arm if you are planning to turn. You
can be fined for riding at night without lights, and for drunken cycling. Contrary to the
situation in many countries, you may not ride your bicycle on the sidewalk.
You can buy a used bike from any certified bicycle shop in Rotterdam (See Useful
Addresses) The price for a second hand bike starts at around EUR 50,-; but watch out,
the quality might be poor so for some more Euros you might get a bike that last longer.
You can also buy bikes on the street, which is cheaper but most of the times stolen. Do
not buy an expensive bike; bikes get stolen a lot in Holland, especially in the bigger cities.
In 2000 the rate of stolen bikes was around a million per year. Regardless of the price or
age of the bike, be sure to buy a good quality lock!
22
HEALTHCARE
Health care is a basic need and a right in the Netherlands. Should you need medical care
during your stay, you should know how it works. One of the first things you will need to do
(also for administrative purposes for the residence permit), is to get insured.
Family Doctor (Huisarts)

Whenever any (non emergency) health problem arises, the huisarts will be the one you
contact for an afspraak (appointment). Doctors have designated consultation hours. Most
of the times it is in the morning, although you can call the doctor or assistant on the phone
to ask for advice during most business hours.
To see a specialist you must first go through your family doctor. During weekends, nights
and holidays when the doctor is not on call, there will be a recorded message on his/her
telephone informing you where you can call. Outside office hours you may also call the
dokterstelefoon to find out which doctor has the evening/night shift in your area
(telephone: 010-4201100)
Under Useful Addresses you will find a list of doctors. They are familiar with foreigners
and usually speak and understand English. Just explain that you are an RSM student.
There is also a list of doctors in the Yellow Pages, under artsen, subsection huisartsen.
You should choose a doctor that is close to your accommodation.
Dentist (Tandarts)
It is not standard practice to administer local anaesthesia when doing fillings and the like,
and it may also cost extra. Be sure to discuss your preferences with the dentist before
dental work is done. Fluoride treatments and extensive cleaning and polishing are also
considered extra and are not standard. If you desire these options, be sure to discuss it
with the dentist.
Pharmacy/Chemist (Apotheek)
The apotheek is where your prescriptions are filled. They also have a wide range of overthe-counter non-prescription drugs. Pharmacies are usually open until 17:30 hrs, Monday
Fridays, and sometimes on Saturdays. Every major city in The Netherlands will have at
least one or more pharmacies which are open during off-hours. Check with your doctor for
the one nearest you.
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Adresses & Telephone Numbers

EMERGENCY LINE
112
NAME
ADDRES
TEL .NUMBER
Doctor (huisarts) in your area!

Prinsendam
Huisartsenpraktijk Jansen
Huisartsengroepspraktijk
MRI Centrum Rotterdam
DC Klinieken Rotterdam
Port Health Centre
Rosestraat 123
Lodewijk Pincoffsweg 82
Westerstraat 41
Vasteland 10
Parklaan 26
010 4855955
010 - 2150222
0880 - 888888
010 - 2176900
010 - 2411100
De Schans (Kralinger Esch) / Hoge Filterweg

Dr. M.M.P. van Meer/
M.T. Slocker
Rijnwaterstraat 10
010 - 4526363
Erasmus International House (Struisenburgdwarsstraat)

Dr. C.H. Baar-Poort/
F.E. E. van der Does
Voorschoterlaan 38
Dr. N.P. van Smalen
Voorschoterlaan 68
Dr. R.C.A.M. Hendriks
Voorschoterlaan 54
Dr. C. van Noort
AvenueConcordia 110b
010 - 4122430
010 - 4123946
010 - 4123815
010 - 4139333
Plaza (Karel Doormanstraat)

GZC Oude Westen- Cool
St. Mariastraat 75
010 - 4369241
s Gravendijkwal 230
010 - 7040704
Groene Hilledijk 315
010 - 2911911
Haringvliet 2
010 - 4043300
Schiedamse Vest 180
010 - 4017777
General nummer Erasmus MC (Hospital)

Pharmacy/Chemist (apotheek)
Apotheek Rozenburg
Voorschoterlaan 6
Westblaak Apotheek - Lagaay
Westblaak 34
Apotheek de Esch Rotterdam BV Rijnwaterstraat 43-47
Medsen Apotheek Kralingen BV
Oudedijk 133
010 - 7040704
Hospital (ziekenhuis)
Erasmus MC
www.erasmusmc.nl
Maasstad Ziekenhuis Zuid
www.maasstadziekenhuis.nl
Havenziekenhuis
www.havenziekenhuis.nl
Maatschap Oogziekenhuis
www.oogziekenhuis.nl
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010 - 4123598
010 - 4110370
010 - 4528464
010 - 4526272
WELCOME TO
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is a vibrant international city. The city is home to over
600.000 people and approximately 160 different nationalities. This
international feeling comes also from the fact that Rotterdam is
situated on the water and for forty consecutive years, has been the
worlds largest port.
A city for living! Whether you have been born and raised in Rotterdam or you have just
come here, Rotterdam is an easy city to get accustomed to. It is a young city. No matter
what you do and who you are, the city will embrace you.
Erasmus University stands in the eastern part of the city, in the Kralingen district. This area
is characterized by its handsome, turn-of-the-century architecture and its large park and
recreational area, the Kralingse Plas. Brussels and Amsterdam can be easily reached by
public transport or road - and it is within 20 minutes (driving) of the Dutch seat of
Government, Den Haag.
History
Rotterdam developed as a fishing village and received its charter in
1328. Since 1340 Rotterdam has developed its port, which along with
Amsterdam became important in the 17th century trading activities. In
1872 Rotterdam acquired a direct connection to the North Sea, which
resulted in an enormous increase in commerce and the scale of its
activities as a port.
In 1962 the port of Rotterdam became the largest in the world. It is at
the mouth of two important rivers, the Rhine and the Meuse, one of the most heavily
navigated waterways in the world.
Following the heavy bombing of May 1940, most of the entire city centre had to be rebuilt.
The redevelopment program was launched with great energy. An entirely new city center
developed with considerable space available for companies and shopping districts. The
modern high rises and ultra-modern design has given Rotterdam its own unique look
compared to the rest of the Netherlands which has retained its historic traditional Dutch
look and feel. You can still see the border of the rebuilt area. This border is marked by red
spots in the ground.
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SHOPPING IN
ROTTERDAM
Major Shopping Areas
Since the opening of the Beurstraverse, an architectural coup d'aile that

forms a subterranean link between the two sides of the Coolsingel,
Rotterdam boasts the largest continuous collection of shops in Europe.
This area includes the Lijnbaan, the first pedestrian-only shopping area
in Europe.
Across from Central Station is the completely covered shopping mall Plaza. And the place
in Rotterdam for shopping close to nature is the Groene Passage (at the Mariniersweg),
with stores of environmentally friendly products.
But there's also something to brag about in other parts of Rotterdam when the subject of
shopping comes up. For example, there is the Noorderboulevard, a homey street of shops
in the Oude Noorden district, and the Zuiderboulevard, a mile and a quarter of shops in
Rotterdam South.
With the metro (tube) and other types of public transport, it's easy to
reach shopping centre Zuidplein (entirely covered) or Alexandrium I,
II, and III, with Alexandrium III featuring no less than 192,000
square feet (!) of ideas for your home. And don't forget the newest
acquisition: the Vrij Entrept Rotterdam at the Kop van Zuid. 'Shop
till you drop' in the exclusive stores and trendy shops which can be
found, for example, in this Entrepotgebied, or Delfshaven, Witte de
Withstraat, Van Oldebarneveldstraat and Nieuwe Binnenweg. West
Kruiskade and the surrounding area offer a vast range of
multicultural products in the many Chinese, Surinam, Mediterranean
and Arab shops.
Opening Hours
In general, most shops in the Netherlands are open from 09:00 or 09:30 hrs. to 17:30 or
18:00 hrs; many open on Monday at 11:00 or 13:00 hrs, and close on Saturday at 6:00
p.m. Some supermarkets stay open a few hours longer in the evening to give people time
to shop after work. One evening each week, all shops in an area will either stay open until
9 P.M. (called koopavond). On Friday evenings, shops are opened, until 9:00 p.m. in
Rotterdam. Most shops in the city centre of Rotterdam are also open on Sunday from
12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. (shops in most other cities are closed on Sunday). There are
also evening shops (avondwinkel) in Rotterdam; these are small grocery shop that
specializes in being open late in the evenings and on Sundays (evening shop); its prices
will be higher than prices elsewhere.
Shops and banks are closed on Christian and public holidays:
New Years day, Easter, Queens Day, National Liberation Day, Ascension Day, May Whit,
Christmas and New Years Eve.
26
A cashier at a supermarket will make a series of greetings: dag (good-day), and possibly
make reference to a bonuskaart (discount card), zegels (savings stamps) and air miles
(card to save air miles).
Be aware that you need to pay a deposit for beverage (frisdrank and beer) containers,
statiegeld. You can turn the empty bottles in and receive a credit; at
the counter you will get your money back.
Market
"A lot for a little" is always for sale at Rotterdam's age-old traditional
markets. With over 500 stalls, the market in the city centre is the
largest market in the Netherlands. Fruit, vegetables, clothing, textiles
and flowers - the market has it all. In Rotterdam the market is held on Tuesdays and
Saturdays adjacent to the Blaak metro station, from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 or 16:00 hrs.
There are three sections in the market: flowers/plants, farmers market and flea market.
Another market in Rotterdam, the Swan Market, is more a lifestyle market with interior
things, mode, vintage, jewellery, accessorizes. It is held unregularly, and so it is best to
check their website for updated information: http://www.swanmarket.nl/?page_id=7
Postal Needs
There are many post offices (often found in supermarkets - see Useful Addresses). They
are marked with an orange sign with TNT POST and can often be found in supermarkets.
Stamps can be bought in post offices, tobacconists and newsstands. On the letterbox,
which is red, are two slots: the one on the left is for local (city limits) mail, the one on the
right (marked Overige bestemmingen) is for post to be delivered outside the city.
27
ATTRACTIONS IN
ROTTERDAM
If you really want to get to know the city, your
visit isn't complete without a harbour cruise
with Spido, a boat trip around the port, or a trip
to the Euromast, the panoramic tower, 185
meter high, with a unique view over the port
and the city.
As an unspoiled oasis in the city, Arboretum Trompenburg offers the visitor a
magnificent botanical garden with an unprecedented wealth of trees, plants and
flowers.
Ahoy' Sport and Exhibition Complex where sport events, trade fairs, exhibitions and
pop concerts are held here.
Feyenoord Stadium where in addition to football, the stadium
also hosts large-scale pop concerts. Guided tours are given on
Wednesday and Thursday (start 13.00 and 15.00 hours) and
Saturday (start 10.00, 12.00 and 14.00 hours). Home of History
Museum, Wednesday and Thursday (13.00 to 17.00 hours) and
Saturday (09.00 to 17.00 hours).
Holland Casino Rotterdam offers a nice evening out.
The Pancake boat, sailing while eating the pancakes at this pancake restaurant.
As soon as the boat lifts anchor you can visit the buffet as often as you wish to pick
up pancakes. A 3-hour cruise through the port is offered every Saturday evening as
well as several Friday evenings. It leaves across the Euromast.
There is a museum for everything. From modern art to historic finds, from
architecture to photography, from model ships to exotic species of animals. One
can certainly describe Rotterdam's total range of museums as comprehensive. The
area around Museumpark, in the heart of the city, is particularly rich in museums,
with a large number of top ones just a stone's throw from each other. That makes it
a very pleasant place to stroll for anyone wishing to visit to several museums in one
go. (www.vvv.rotterdam.nl)
New Waterway and storm barrier, open on Tuesday to
Saturday, has an exhibition the Storm Surge Barrier
Information Centre (Informatiecentrum Stormvloedkering).
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A top attraction is the Rotterdam Zoo Diergaarde Blijdorp,

with the Oceanium where the visitor can make a voyage of
discovery through the incredibly beautiful water world full of sea
and coast dwellers. The zoo covering approximately 18
hectares providing the animals a place to live in a manner
equivalent to their natural habitat. www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl
Rotterdam has one of the largest ports in the world. Naturally, this has a great influence on
the city. If you want to get to know Rotterdam well, your program really should include a
boat trip through the impressive docklands. Especially for these trips, Rotterdam has its
own Industrial Tourism. This organization develops tailor made trips for your event about
the most interesting sceneries in Rotterdam. But it is also fun to just wander along the
waterfront and watch the ships sail by. From there you also have the most beautiful skyline
in the Netherlands.
Historic Delfshaven is an oasis of tranquility in Modern Rotterdam. Its historic centre, older
than the city of Rotterdam itself, is still pervaded by the characteristic ambiance of times
gone by: of port activities, whaling and herring fishing; of the east India Company and of
the town where Piet Heyn was born. Delfshaven has become world famous as the place
from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620, and of course as the center of
the brandy and gin distilleries, with the well-known stork emblem.
Rotterdam is more welcoming than ever, because every year the 'Maasstad' (Maas City)
has that little bit more to offer.
(www.vvv.rotterdam.nl)
29
ARCHITECTURE IN
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is a city of architecture. Unfortunately, the World War II bombings destroyed
many monuments. Nevertheless, you will find buildings and sculpture of famous artists and
architects throughout the city. The ArchiCentre has information on the architecture of
Rotterdam and organizes excursions.
Rotterdam, City Of Modern Architecture

The itinerary of this coach tour includes the spectacular highrise on the Weena and Boompjes boulevards, the Prinsenland
and De Esch housing estates (the latter built on the site of the
former water works), and recent developments on Kop van
Zuid. Rotterdam is a prime example of a city permanently under
construction. Tall office and residential towers spring up all over
the place, especially along the waterfront. The docklands area on
the left bank of the Maas, the heart of Kop van Zuid, has developed into a lively new
district that is connected to city centre by the Erasmus Bridge.
Modern Architecture in Pre-war Rotterdam

During this coach tour you will be introduced to examples of
Rotterdam architecture built between 1900 and 1940. Attention will
be paid to Rotterdam's development as a major seaport, to the latenineteenth-century districts this spawned and to other remnants of
the 'historical' city. The route takes in the Van Nelle factory, the
Bergpolder apartment building - the first gallery flats in the
Netherlands - and urban districts built in the 1930s.
Even before the devastating bombardment in May 1940, Rotterdam was already a centre
of modern architecture - often referred to as Nieuwe Bouwen in the Netherlands and
'Dutch Functionalism' elsewhere. This movement sought a contemporary architecture of
concrete, steel and glass that would be in keeping with the rapid changes affecting
everyday life, where the automobile and the washing machine, for example, were starting
to make themselves felt.
Post-war Reconstruction in Rotterdam

The bombardment of 14 May 1940 was followed by the reconstruction
of the devastated city centre virtually from scratch, an undertaking that
attracted enormous national and international interest. As you will have
an opportunity to see during the tour, it reflects the full range of 20thcentury ideas about architecture and town planning. The itinerary
includes the Groothandelsgebouw (Rotterdam Business Centre): this
'multi-company building for wholesalers' has its own internal road
system for delivery Lorries. In addition to many inner city reconstruction
projects, such as the trail-blazing Lijnbaan shopping centre, you will also get to see some
interesting schemes beyond the city limits.
30
ROTTERDAM BY NIGHT
Rotterdam has a lot to offer at night; from exclusive clubs, concerts and theatres, to cosy
restaurants and the famous Holland Casino. Of course, you already knew that the Holland
casinos, including the one in Rotterdam, are the only casinos allowed by law. Holland
Casino is near Central Station, which offers connections by train, taxi, bus and metro.
Theatre, Dance and Music

There are several places to go to for theatre, dance and music like:
De Doelen, which is a concert center with several auditoriums for
all kinds of music, and the home of the Rotterdam Philharmonic
Orchestra
The Rotterdam Schouwburg, which has two stages for dance,
drama and music
Lantaren/Venster, which has several different stages for
smaller, often experimental performances.
The RO Theatre and the Luxor Theatre Rotterdam
Film
Information about film performances can be found in the so-called filmladder. This weekly
overview is obtainable at any cinema in Rotterdam and is also published in the Thursday
editions of the free local papers. In the last week of January/first week of February the
yearly Rotterdam Film Festival takes place. This ten-day festival offers non-stop
performances in a number of movie theatres.
You can also see what movie is where and at what time at www.pathe.nl; You can order
tickets through the Pathe website, although you can always buy them at the counter. If you
show your student card during the weekdays you will get discount on your ticket.
Restaurants
A list of restaurants can be found in the telephone directory and in the Yellow Pages.
Further information can be found in the brochure Rotterdam culinair, to be obtainable
from the VVV. In many restaurants it is advisable to make advance reservations.
Restaurants open in the evening from 17:00 hrs until 23.00 hrs. Many stop serving after
21.00 hrs.
DUDOK (Meent 88, telephone: 010 433 3102)
With everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner, you cant go wrong at

Dudok. Great food is served in a relaxed atmosphere. Dudoks
Patisserie offers a great variety of fresh sweet pastry, muffins and
quiche. Its legendary apple pie is so well-known throughout
Rotterdam, that you can order it as a take away. In the evening,
Dudoks Brasserie serves a wide choice of Mediterranean dishes.
http://www.dudok.nl/index.php?pageID=128
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BAZAR (Witte de Withstraat 16, Telephone 010 206 51 51)
Bazar has a great busy atmosphere of a trendy restaurant of Rabat or Istanbul and offers
a great choice of cheap dishes out of the Oriental and Mediterranean kitchen. The service
is multicultural and fits right in with the atmosphere. It is also a great location for breakfast.
http://www.bazarrotterdam.com/
HOTEL NEW YORK (Koninginnenhoofd 1, telephone: 010 439 0525)
If you truly want to see something historic and you are looking for a simple meal or a drink,
go to Hotel New York on the Wilhelminapier. This hotel/restaurant was once the head
office of the Holland America Line and was built in 1901. The Holland America Line was
the company that provided the transport of people from Rotterdam to New York and back.
It started in 1873 and ended in 1971. Now, the building is transformed into a cozy and
historic restaurant on the Wilhelminapier, a pier that is called Manhattan aan de Maas,
because amongst other high buildings, the highest building of the Netherlands is located
on the Wilhelminapier.
http://www.hotelnewyork.nl/en/home
A NOTE ABOUT TIPPING:
In The Netherlands, Value Added Tax and service charges are included in your check in
hotels, shops and taxis. Unlike in the US, this is even the case for your restaurant check.
Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to give taxi
drivers and waiters a tip of about 10 percent.
Bars and Cafes

Bars/cafs are scattered through the city, but there are some
places where theres a high concentration of bars:
Stadhuisplein, across Coolsingel from Stadhuis
The Meent which is a street leading to the market.
There are a number of bars and restaurants where you
can sit outside. This is especially enjoyable in the
summer. There are a lot of cheap places to go out for
dinner, like Vapiano (http://www.vapiano.com/),
At Oostplein you will find a high concentration of typical student-bars.
De Oude Binnenweg and Nieuwe Binnenweg both have a collection of
nice bars and restaurants.
Over the Erasmus Bridge you will find the Entrepot, an old harbour
transformed into a recreational area, with again a lot of pubs and some real nice
restaurants.
Delfshaven also offer nice bars and restaurants
Witte de Withstraat lots of nice restaurants and bars.
Rotterdammers are very friendly and will be happy to share their stories with you while
having a drink. Take time to wander around various neighbourhoods and check out the
different cafs along the way.
Unlike in neighbouring Germany, beer in Holland comes in tiny glasses. The average
fluitje, the small glass, holds less than 200 cl. The Amsterdammertje, a larger small glass,
holds 225. The Dutch pour beer down the centre of the glass. The head fills and overflows
32
the glass. Then they swipe it off level with a plastic spatula. Beer is served with minimum
two fingers of foam on top.
Van Zanten & Caf Pol (Meent 44-48)
These cafs are very busy on Friday and Saturday night, because a large group of
yuppies go to these cafs on those days. When the sun is out, the cafs will have terraces
on the market square to enjoy the sun and to enjoy a cold drink. When the sun isnt out,
they will have another accommodation to stand under and enjoy a cold drink.
Caf Beurs (Kruiskade 55, telephone: 010 414 3301)
This caf is a typical student-caf. A lot of students that are living in Rotterdam are going
here on Thursday (Student-night out) and also on Friday and Saturday. You can eat, talk,
lounge or dance at this caf, so its actually a restaurant, a bar and a club all in one.
MURPHYS BAR (Rodezand 15,Telephone: 010 - 4110078)
Irish pub located in the centre of Rotterdam with a cosy interior atmosphere. Drinks are
well priced and the beer is plentiful. You can also watch your favourite sports teams on the
big screen!
Where to Go Clubbing
Rotterdams club scene is renowned in Holland and fast gaining a reputation in the UK. An
abundance of bars, clubs and quirky galleries can be found in areas like the Witte de
Withstraat and Binnenweg in the heart of Rotterdam. From traditional narrow wooden
brown cafs to stylish bars and swanky clubs, make sure you dont
miss out on these!
Thursday night is student night. Beers in many of the bars are
and clubs are cheaper.
GET BACK ( Stadhuisplein 27)
Its located on Stadhuisplein, were a lot of bars and cafs are. In the
Get Back you will hear the sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s. It opens its doors at 10.00 in
the morning, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From Thursday till Saturday you can
enjoy the club life there. The djs will bring you that old school music. Get out at
Stadhuisplein when you take the tram or the Metro and then walk towards all the clubs.
CLUB ROTTERDAM (Wilhelminakade 699)
This is a small club for open minded, trendy people. Club Rotterdam is part of a concept
with a cocktail bar and a restaurant. Resident DJ's Chezz, St. Paul and L-Diablo give you
music from Kelis to the Beatles, and from Marvin Gaye to BasementJaxx.
www.caferotterdam.nl
THE THALIA LOUNGE (Kruiskade 31)
This trendy lounge club situated in an old cinema has five different levels. Many national
and international DJs play here every week. They are open from 22.00 till 04.00 on
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Overall they have house music but they have different
themes every weekend. Latin Lovers is a well known party and every month they have an
Asian party.
www.thaliarotterdam.nl
33
CLUB VIE (Maasboulevard 300)
This is a fairly new and trendy club. They have a champagne bar and a wine bar (all that in
a hot and sexy vibe). In the second room there is a relaxed atmosphere with sofas and the
sound of Ibiza. And if youre hungry, no problem you can get something to eat there all
night.
www.clubvie.com
BAJA BEACHCLUB (Karel Doormanstraat 10-12)
The Baja Beach Club represents entertainment in a tropical setting

with an exciting atmosphere. The entryway is made from a 3.5meter beach ball and the music is played from a speedboat. Every
first Tuesday of the month is an After Work Party, where people
come straight from work to the Baja Beach Club for a delicious
buffet and live performances. Baja Beach Club presents
Champagne Night every Thursday evening, Party Night on Friday
and Saturday evening and Ladies Night on Sunday evening.
www.bajarotterdam.nl/home.html
For organized parties check these different sites:
http://www.djguide.nl/
http://partyflock.nl/party/
www.partyscene.nl/party
How to Get Home

If you are out late know you can still get home by:
- Bus
Night buses (nachtbus) run throughout the night but come once or twice per hour.
- Night trains
Night trains run on the route Rotterdam-Amsterdam-Utrecht throughout the night, with a
frequency of one train per hour. Check www.ns.nl for the schedule.
- Taxi
- St. Job is 010-4257000
- RTC is 010-4626060
- Or you can take a taxi at the taxi stand.
- Tram/Metro
Trams and metros in Rotterdam typically stop around 00:30.
34
SAFETY
The Netherlands is a safe country to live in. Your children can safely ride their bikes to
school and you can safely go out to dinner even in the big cities and after dark. In the
smaller towns, life is even safer. Streets are generally well-lit in the cities and towns in the
Netherlands which allows you to safely let out your dog in the evening, or run to the
supermarket or walk to your friends house a couple of streets away. When you leave the
house, however, it is always best to lock the door. As n any big city, you should keep your
eye on your purse, bags, cameras and whatever else you might have on you and you
should not wander alone into a dark alleyway. When walking alone, search for well-lit
areas.
35
ADRESSES AND
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
NAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
Architecture
ArchiCenter/Rotterdam Marketing Schiekade 205
(010) 4369909
ac@vvv.rotterdam.nl
Attraction
Euromast Space & Adventure
Parkhaven 20, Rotterdam

www.euromast.nl
(010) 4364811
Spido (Boat Trip to the port)
Willemsplein 85, Rotterdam

www.spido.nl
(010) 2759988
Arboretum Trompenburg
Honingerdijk 86
www.trompenburg.nl
(010) 2330166
Ahoy' Sport and Exhibition Complex Ahoyweg 10

www.ahoy.nl
(010) 2933300
Feyenoord Stadium
Van Zandvlietplein 1
www.dekuip.nl
(010) 4929444
Holland Casino Rotterdam
Weena 624
www.hollandcasino.nl
(010) 2068206
The Pancake boat
Parkhaven,
across Euromast
www.pannenkoekenboot.nl
Rotterdam Zoo
Diergaarde Blijdorp
Van Aerssenlaan 49
www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl
The New Waterway

Exhibition Centre
Expo Waterwegcentrum
Exhibition the Storm Surge
Barrier Information Centre
Kon. Emmaboulevard 5
Hoek van Holland
www. rotterdam.nl
Nieuw Oranjekanaal 139,
Hoek van Holland
36
(010) 4367295
(010) 4431495 / 0900 1857
(0174) 387635
(0174) 511222
Bicycle shops (Fietsenwinkels)

Bergman Rijwielen
Ado Tweewielers
Rijwiel Cash & Carry
Rijwiel Paleis BV
Mobile Bike Service
Spanjaardstraat 43
Schiedamseweg 77
Pretorialaan 56/58
Oostmolenwerf 11
Mr. John Blokpoel
(010) 4773259
(010) 4764668
(010) 4762076
(010) 4763743
0638743967
Cinerama Filmtheater
Westblaak 18
(010) 4115300
Path De Kuip
Cor Kieboomplein 501
0900 1458 (0,8 ct. p/min)
Path Schouwburgplein 101
www.pathe.nl
0900 1458 (0,8 ct. p/min)
Theater Lantaren/Venster
Gouvernestraat 133
www.lantaren-venster.nl
(010) 2772277
Oostplein 99
www.printer.nl
(010)-4132555
Cinema (bioscoop)
Copy shop
The Printer
MultiCopy Centrum
Kruisplein 23 B
(010) 4147362
www.multicopy.nl/rotterdam-centrum
Action Repro
Goudsesingel 103
www.action-repro.nl
(010) 4139836
Kopie Kraus
Coolsingel 207
www.kkcbv.nl
06 5881 5922
Copyshop Cendris
(V-building)
(010) 4081191
Graphotech Copy Centers
Oostzeedijk 188
(010) 4525677
Car rentals (autoverhuur)

StudentCar
see www.detelefoongids.nl/autoverhuur
www.studentcar.nl (Has a car on campus; price variable)
Dentist (tandarts)
C.J. van Dilst
Oostzeedijk Beneden 163b (010) 2829909
R.T. Elema
Beursplein 37
(010) 4142331
Tandzorgpraktijk Mathenesse
Mathenesserlaan 192a
(010) 4361604
Hotels
www.gorotterdam.nl (See Look and Book,

Accommodations)
www.rotterdamhotels.nl
www.anwb.nl
www.routenet.nl
Map of Rotterdam
www.maporama.com
37
Markets
Theres a market every Tuesday and Saturday on the large market square in the centre of the city.
Here you can buy cheap food (especially fresh fruit and fresh meat/fish) and other cheap stuff.
Dienst Marktwezen (information)
Westersingel 19
(010) 4400888
Postoffices (postkantoor)
Note: When sending out parcels, you can also do this via the reception/the finance office).
Rijwaterstraat 35 (counter inside the Plus Supermarket)
Crooswijkseweg 88 (Techador)
Goudsesingel 111 (Cigo)
Vlietlaan 2 (Primera)
Lusthofstraat 57 (Tabac & Gifts)
Oudedijk 149 (counter inside the Albert Heijn Supermarket)
Botersloot 13-19 (counter inside the Jumbo Supermarket)
Oude Binnenweg 105 (Primera)
Conradstraat 56-60 (PostNL)
West-Kruiskade 48 (Vivant)
Schools
International Primary Education
American International School
Verhulstlaan 19-21
De Blijberg
Gordelweg 216
The Japanese School
Verhulstlaan 19-21
(010) 4225351
(010) 4669629
(010) 4221211
International Secondary Education

Wolfert van Borselen (RISS)
Bentincklaan 280
(Children > 12 years)
(010) 4660322
Storage (inventory) (inboedel-opslag)

City Box Self-Storage
City Box Self-Storage
Giessenweg 20
Korte Stadionweg 107
www.citybox.nl
(010) 2622992
(010) 4838782
Jac den Hollander
Vlambloem 101
www.jacdenhollander.nl
Ceintuurbaan 213
Olympiaweg 16
kubus-opslag.nl
Rivium Boulevard 186
(010) 4551588
Kubus Selfstorage
Easybox Selfstorage
38
(010) 218 3888

(010) 497 7900
(010) 202 3570
Supermarkets:
Albert Heijn
Oude Dijk 149

Groenendaal 49-55
Mariniersweg 39-41
Meent 80-84
Goudse Rijweg 701-707
Vlietlaan 61
Bas van der Heijden
Goudsesingel 19-23
Jumbo
Botersloot 13-19
Plus Waardenburg
Rijnwaterstraat 35
Ordering food:
www.thuisbezorgd.nl
Avondwinkel
A & S Avondwinkel
Goudse Rijweg 13E
Slijterij Goudsesingel
Goudsesingel 227-A
Avondwinkel De Dijk
Willem Ruyslaan 24-A
Theater, dance and music

De Doelen
The Rotterdam Schouwburg
LantarenVenster
New Luxor Theatre Rotterdam
Old Luxor Theatre
RO Theatre
Schouwburgplein 50
Schouwburgplein 25
Otto Reuchlinweg
Posthumalaan 1
Kruiskade 10
William Boothlaan 8
39
(010) 2171700
(010) 4118110
(010) 2772277
(010) 496 0000
(010) 270 1022
(010) 4046888
REGISTER
Schools, 36
Shopping, 20
Copying, 35
Market, 21, 36
Nightshops, 37
Opening Hours, 21
Supermarkets, 37
The Netherlands
Economy, 8
Festivities, 24, 25
Food, 9, 10, 35
History, 7
Holidays, 24, 25
Identification, 12
Insurance, 11
Language, 7
Practical Issues, 11
Sports, 6
System of the Government, 8
Telephone Service, 7
The Dutch, 5
The Dutch Home, 6
The Netherlands, 5
Travel, 12
Theatre, 30, 37
Transportation, 14, 15
Bicycle, 16, 35
Car, 16, 35
Nighttime Transport, 33
Public Transport, 14, 15
Taxi, 14
Train, 14
OV Chipcard, 15
Banking, 19
Acceptgiro, 18
Automatic Booking, 18
Internet Banking, 19
Making payments, 17
Cinema, 30, 35
Clubs, 32, 33
Dancing, 32, 33, 34
Eating and Drinking 30
Bars, 31
Caf's, 31
Dining, 30
Drinking, 31
Eating, 30
Restaurants, 30
Tipping, 31
Film, 30, 35
Healthcare, 22
Chemist, 22, 23
Dentist, 22, 35
Doctor, 22, 23
Hospital, 23
Pharmacy, 22, 23
Hotels, 36
Post, 21
Rotterdam, 13
Architecture, 28, 34
Attractions, 26, 27, 34
History, 13
Maps, 16, 36
Nightlife, 29, 32, 33
Post, 36
Storage, 36 .......................................
40

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DAM

A guide for living

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Welcome To Rotterdam, RSM And The Netherlands

Getting to Know The Country And Its People

Festive Occasions in Holland

Opening A Bank Account

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Addresses and Telephone Numbers

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

The Dutch are supreme masters of things connected with

The Dutch Home

RSM Erasmus University

If you want to read more about the Dutch,

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Typical Dutch Food

RSM Erasmus University

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Kings Night - Koningnacht - 26 April

Remembrance/Liberation Day - 4/5 May

RSM Erasmus University

The Dutch Santa Claus - Sinterklaas - 5 December

Christmas - Kerstmis - 25/26 December

New Years Eve - Oudejaarsavond 31 December

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

RSM Erasmus University

Compulsory Identification for Nationals And Residents

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Buses, Trams and Metros

RSM Erasmus University

Initially, the Interliner-bus line was created to bring passengers where

Driving Your Car

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Detailed Maps for Traveling

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Family Doctor (Huisarts)

A Guide for Living in Rotterdam

RSM Erasmus University

Adresses & Telephone Numbers

Doctor (huisarts) in your area!